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Magical Moment 608, "Tucker"

Searching for a new run route, I set off towards a park I knew was nearby. I ran through neighborhoods, up hills, and all around town trying to find my way into the entrance of the park I just knew was around here somewhere. Finally, I decided I must either ask someone, or head home.

I scanned the streets for someone to approach. My eyes landed on an older gentleman standing in his driveway. His white hair was mostly covered by a hat and his hands were shoved deep in the pockets of his jacket. But he stood as content as can be, next to a parked car. The backseat door was wide open, and he stared inside with an admiring smile on his face, as if he were completely mesmerized and enthralled with what he saw. 

I called down the long driveway from the sidewalk, "Excuse me sir, do you know how to get to the park entrance from here?"
"Sure!" He yelled back without glancing up at me. His eyes remained locked on the backseat of the car. "Come and meet my grandson!" He added with pride.

Hesitantly, I walked down the long, winding driveway until I stood near the man and peeked into the backseat. A little boy, no older than a year, sat wide awake and buckled in his car seat. He was bundled so tight in his coat, hat, gloves, and boots, that the only part of him that could move was his little blonde head, which turned towards me when his grandpa said, "This is Tucker."

"Hello," I said to Tucker. His grandpa was able to turn his attention away for a few seconds, long enough to give me directions. And then he returned back to the business of admiring his precious grandson. I thanked him, said goodbye to Tucker, and found the park.

I thought about Tucker and his grandpa as I ran. I wondered if that was the first time they met, or a routine visit. I smiled thinking about their time together, and it seemed everything I saw in the park, could have been a nursery rhyme that Tucker's grandpa read to him.

London bridges falling down...

 Sticks and stones may break but my bones, but words will never hurt me...

Over the river and through the woods, to grandfather's house we go...

Comments

TexWisGirl said…
aww. how sweet! i hope they get to spend a lot of time together!
MaggieGem said…
Magical moment indeed, what a precious effect little one's have on our perspective of the world. Reminds of a fortune I came across about two years ago...

"A truly great person never puts away the simplicity of a child"

Words to live by.
Anonymous said…
Very sweet. And what a beautiful park!
DJan said…
I agree, what a sweet little vignette. I wonder, too, if this is the first time he saw this little guy. And I guess you now have a new running route, right? :-)
Leonora said…
You found a beautiful place to run! I love finding little gems like this, tucked away where you would never guess it to be.
The little boy is lucky to have a grandfather who loves him so.
You seem to have a knack for these touching encounters on your runs. I often think about the guy who cheered you on one day when you were tiring on your run. :)

That park is gorgeous. I'm looking forward to more pictures from there, especially in spring and fall.
Hilary said…
Another sweet encounter. I wonder if little kidlet Tucker sang for his supper. ;)
what a beautiful park indeed :)
Busy Bee Suz said…
What a magical morning you had! Elizabeth, I LOVE how you see so much in just a moment of time...and I really love how you share with us! Thanks for sharing today!
Deborah said…
Your posts always make me smile inside ... just lovely :o)
Jayne said…
"[...] and it seemed everything I saw in the park, could have been a nursery rhyme that Tucker's grandpa read to him."

Elizabeth, you're a true poet. Your new running spot does look a nursery rhyme. Or a fairy tale! So beautiful. Wishing you many healthy, meditative runs in the park. :)
Sweet story...you met a nice Grandfather...like the pics of the park too

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